Scarlet Fever vs. Whooping Cough

Attribute	Scarlet Fever	Whooping Cough
Cause	Bacterial infection with group A Streptococcus	Bacterial infection with Bordetella pertussis
Symptoms	Fever, sore throat, rash, strawberry tongue	Coughing fits, whooping sound, vomiting after coughing
Treatment	Antibiotics	Antibiotics, supportive care
Vaccine	No vaccine available	Vaccine available

Introduction

Scarlet fever and whooping cough are both infectious diseases that can affect individuals of all ages. While they may have some similar symptoms, they are caused by different bacteria and have distinct characteristics that set them apart. In this article, we will compare the attributes of scarlet fever and whooping cough to help you better understand these two illnesses.

Cause

Scarlet fever is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria, which are the same bacteria responsible for strep throat. On the other hand, whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium. Both bacteria are highly contagious and can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Symptoms

The symptoms of scarlet fever typically include a red rash that feels like sandpaper, a high fever, sore throat, and swollen glands. In some cases, individuals may also experience a white coating on the tongue and throat. On the other hand, whooping cough is characterized by severe coughing fits that can last for several weeks. These coughing fits are often followed by a "whooping" sound as the individual tries to catch their breath.

Complications

Scarlet fever can lead to complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney disease, and ear infections if left untreated. In severe cases, it can even cause pneumonia or toxic shock syndrome. Whooping cough, on the other hand, can be particularly dangerous for infants and young children. Complications may include pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and even death in rare cases.

Diagnosis

Scarlet fever is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination and a throat swab to test for the presence of group A Streptococcus bacteria. Whooping cough, on the other hand, may be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests such as a nasopharyngeal swab or blood test to detect the Bordetella pertussis bacterium.

Treatment

Both scarlet fever and whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics to help alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of the infection. In the case of scarlet fever, antibiotics such as penicillin or amoxicillin are commonly prescribed. For whooping cough, antibiotics such as azithromycin or erythromycin may be used to reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.

Prevention

Preventing the spread of scarlet fever and whooping cough involves practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, and avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick. Vaccination is also an important preventive measure for whooping cough, as the pertussis vaccine is included in the routine childhood immunization schedule.

Conclusion

In conclusion, scarlet fever and whooping cough are two distinct infectious diseases with different causes, symptoms, complications, and treatment options. While scarlet fever is caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria and is characterized by a red rash and sore throat, whooping cough is caused by Bordetella pertussis bacterium and is known for severe coughing fits and a "whooping" sound. Understanding the differences between these two illnesses can help individuals recognize the symptoms and seek appropriate medical care when needed.